Fly from Brisbane to Honiara and transfer to the port. Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, is located on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal Island. The name Honiara derives from the local Ghari language, meaning 'facing the ara', where the southeast winds meet the land. Explore this city, its picturesque landscape, and its pivotal role in World War II, notably the Battle of Henderson Field, the final of Japan's three major land offensives in 1942.

The Solomon Islands offer numerous opportunities for world-class snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography, particularly in the Western and Central Provinces, which are renowned for their popularity. The underwater world here teems with over 1000 species of reef fish, as well as dolphins, rays, sharks, and five of the world's seven marine turtle species. Within the Solomon Islands' extensive 5,750 km2 of reefs, nearly 500 species of corals have been documented. Njari Island, an uninhabited paradise located 15 nautical miles from Gizo, offers pristine shores perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Gizo, located on Ghizo Island, is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, following the capital, Honiara. The people of the Western Province are renowned globally for their exceptional carving skills, crafting intricate pieces from woods like ebony and rosewood. These masterpieces can take months to create and are highly valued. During your visit, explore the vibrant traditional markets of Gizo. The Western Province and the surrounding islands near Gizo offer ample opportunities for world-class snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography, celebrated for their popularity and diverse marine life.

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, previously named the North Solomons Province, has been celebrated for its stunning beaches and picturesque bays ever since French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville first discovered the island and named it in 1768. This region played a crucial role in the Pacific theatre of World War II. With 685km of coastline and 240,000 hectares of coral reefs rich in biodiversity, numerous destinations await exploring.

Located at the eastern end of New Britain Island, the tropical port town of Rabaul is renowned for its stunning location. Positioned alongside Simpson Harbour, the town is encircled by six volcanoes, including the active Mt Tavurvur. In September 1994, Rabaul and its neighbouring villages were significantly affected by a major volcanic eruption from Tavurvur and Vulcan, which blanketed the area with volcanic ash. Following this event, the nearby coastal town of Kokopo emerged and has since evolved into the administrative and tourism hub for Rabaul.

Join your expedition team for a guided tour using local transportation to explore Mt. Tavurvur, the Volcano Observatory, and various significant World War II sites.

Take advantage of the range of services and activities available on board during your voyage. Indulge in a relaxing session at the spa or keep fit in the well-equipped fitness centre. Depending on the season, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or relax under the sun. Depending on the schedule, this port-free journey also offers opportunities to attend conferences or shows and browse the boutique for shopping. You can also meet PONANT photographers at their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. It's an enchanting interlude, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Chuuk Lagoon, formerly known as Truk Lagoon, constitutes one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The lagoon encompasses 16 volcanic islands, heavily eroded over time, surrounded by mangrove swamps along their shores and lush rainforests in their mountainous interiors. Renowned among scuba divers, the islands host a fascinating array of shipwrecks. These wrecks, at depths ranging from 15 to 40 metres, form an underwater museum showcasing remnants of the Japanese land-based, aerial, and naval fleet. These vessels were sunk during the American bombardment in February 1944 in response to the attack on Pearl Harbour. Over the years, the shipwrecks have evolved into foundations for new coral reefs and habitats for diverse marine life.

Pulap is an atoll comprising three islands situated in the Pattiw group within the Caroline Islands. These islands include Pollap to the north, Tamatam to the south, and Fanadik at the western edge of the reef. Surrounding the island are several well-preserved shipwrecks submerged underwater, offering exceptional diving opportunities. Explorers can delve into the vibrant reef ecosystem teeming with marine life and discover these ghostly shipwrecks' intriguing remnants.

Satawal is an isolated coral atoll comprising a single island in the Caroline Islands. Its population is just 500 people. Renowned for preserving ancient navigational methods devoid of modern instruments, the island relies on Indigenous astronomical and maritime knowledge. Its deeply traditional culture means that few visitors disembark, but those who do are warmly greeted by the local villagers.

Gaferut Atoll is a remote atoll located in the State of Yap, part of the Federated States of Micronesia. This small island is characterised by lush, densely covered rolling hills adorned with vibrant vegetation. Its shores are predominantly lined with mangrove swamps, while an outer barrier reef encircles the island, teeming with diverse marine life. The enclosed lagoon also boasts a rich array of marine wildlife, making Gaferut Atoll a haven for nature enthusiasts and marine explorers alike.

In the Western Pacific, your voyage will take you to Guam, where you will disembark your ship. Guam is the largest volcanic island in Micronesia and the Mariana Islands. This picturesque island features crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and escape. Administered by the United States today, Guam also provides opportunities to explore historical sites dating back to Spanish colonisation. You can immerse yourself in the culture of the Chamorros, the islands' original inhabitants known for their skilled craftsmanship and preservation of traditional customs.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here